Biology Department - Course Descriptions
SCI 110 Natural Science I
The first semester of a two-semester survey of natural science. This course focuses on the nature of science and major concepts of physics and chemistry. Laboratory work stressing experimentation and measurement will include the use of computers and electronic sensors. (Three one-hour lectures, one threehour laboratory. Prereq.: MPG 3)
SCI 111 Natural Science II
The second semester of a two-semester survey of natural science. This course focuses on major concepts of earth science and biology. Laboratory work will complement lectures and will include the use of computers and electronic sensors. (Three one-hour lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Prereq.: SCI 110)
SCI 280 Introduction to Research
This is a topics course for discovery-based research introducing concepts and skills based on instructor-generated research projects. It is offered through a selection-process based on student interest, invitation, and interview selection. It is recommended for students in the Honors Program and can also fulfill an AugExperience as an experiential course in research if the student project results in presentation of the work in subsequent semesters. All are welcome to apply. (Prereq: Invitation to participate in course; 0.5 course)
BIO 102 The Biological World
The basic concepts of biology pertaining to both plants and animals are emphasized. The nature of science and the approach used by scientists to gather and analyze data and propose and test hypotheses are considered. (Prereq.: MPG 2. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Does not apply to the major or minor)
BIO 103 Human Anatomy and Physiology
A survey of the structure and function of the human body. (Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. A student may not receive credit for both BIO 121 and 103. Does not apply to the major or minor. Prereq.: CHM 100 or another chemistry course strongly recommended. Spring)
BIO 121 Human Biology and Lab
An introduction to basic biological principles with a human perspective and application. Includes discussion of the molecular and cellular basis of life, genetics and genetic disease, selected organ systems and disease, and the sustainability of life on Earth. (Three hours lecture, one three-hour lab. A student may not receive credit for both BIO 121 and 103. Does not apply to the major or minor in biology. Students are strongly encouraged to take CHM 100 before taking this class. Fall and spring)
BIO 151 Introductory Biology
First of a three-semester sequence. An introduction to biology for science majors, including cell and molecular biology, energy metabolism, genetics. BIO 151, 152, and 253 must be taken in sequence except by permission of instructor. (Three hours of lecture, three hours laboratory, some Saturday field trips. Prereq: MPG 3 or concurrent registration in MAT 105, concurrent registration in CHM 105/115. Fall)
BIO 152 Ecology, Evolution, and Diversity
Second of a three-semester introductory sequence. An introduction to evolution, ecology, and biological diversity for science majors. BIO 151, 152, and 253 must be taken in sequence except by permission of instructor. (Three hours of lecture, four hours laboratory. Spring)
BIO 253 Introductory Cellular Biology
Third of a three-semester sequence. An introduction to structure and function in tissues, cells, and subcellular organelles. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 151, 152, CHM 106 or 116. Fall)
BIO 351 Invertebrate Zoology
A study of the invertebrate animals stressing classification, morphology, behavior, life history, and phylogeny. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 151, 152. Fall: alternate years)
BIO 353 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Comparative anatomy, functional morphology, and evolutionary morphology of vertebrates. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 151, 152. Spring)
BIO 355 Genetics
Principles of heredity, integrating classical and molecular analysis. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253.)
BIO 361 Plant Biology
A survey of the major groups of algae, fungi, and plants, including the study of structure, physiology, life histories, and phylogeny. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 151, 152. Fall)
BIO 369 Biochemistry
An introductory consideration of biological macromolecules and their components, energetics, and intermediary metabolism and its integration. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253, CHM 352. Fall)
BIO 440 Plant Physiology
A consideration of the processes involved in photosynthesis, growth, development, and water relations in plants including the relationship of process to structure and life history. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253. Spring)
BIO 471 Advanced Cellular and Molecular Biology
An examination of mechanisms of molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology, cell-signaling, cell cycle control, and cellular basics for immunity. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 369.)
BIO 473 Animal Physiology
A study of digestion, respiration, circulation, excretion, movement, and sensory perception as well as neural and hormonal control of these functions, emphasizing vertebrates. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253.)
BIO 474 Developmental Biology
A consideration of the physiological and morphological changes that occur during embryonic development of animals, including genetic control of development. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253.)
BIO 476 Microbiology
An introduction to the study of microorganisms. Environmental, industrial, and medical issues are discussed, with particular attention paid to human pathogens. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prereq.: BIO 253, junior standing.)
BIO 481 Ecology
A study of interactions between organisms and the biotic and abiotic environment. Topics include physiological ecology, energy flow, nutrient cycling, a survey of biomes, population and community ecology, and conservation. (Three hours lecture, four hours laboratory, some Saturday field trips. Prereq.: BIO 253, MPG 4 or MAT 122 or MAT 163 or PSY 215. Fall)
BIO 486 Immunology
This course is a study of the body’s immune defense. The course investigates the structure and mechanisms of human body’s three lines of immune defense. Protection from microorganisms and parasites, and cancer surveillance are considered. The role of immunity in vaccination and transplantation, and mechanisms of immune malfunction in allergy, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency are included. Prereq.: BIO 369 (Three hours of lecture, four hours laboratory. Spring)
SCI 490 Integrated Keystone
The Natural Science Keystone explores the connections of science with the world at large, including faith, vocation, ethics, and professional accountability. Students will reflect on science as a vocation and the philosophy of science in a global context of the interconnectedness of faith, reason, ethics, sustainability, and socio-political-economic situation. (Prereq: senior biology, chemistry, or physics major; P/N for 0.5 course)
BIO 495 Special Topics in Biology
Courses covering special topics not otherwise covered by our other course offerings. Topics may vary.
Internships and Independent Study Courses:
BIO 199 lnternship
(Prereq.: BIO 151, 152. P/N only)
BIO 299 Directed Study
BIO 399 Internship
(Prereq.: BIO 253. P/N only)
BIO 499 Independent Study/Research
(Prereq.: BIO 253. P/N only)
